Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion lawsuit proves the burden of proof still lies with black women
“Who Shot Meg” is trending on social media more than two years after gunshots reportedly rang out in the Hollywood Hills in the early morning hours of July 12, 2020. The incident sparked speculation and a deep divide on social media. Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is accused of shooting Megan Pete, professionally known as Megan Thee Stallion, in her feet after an argument that capped a night of drinking and pool partying by Kylie Jenner. He pleaded not guilty to felony assault charges; if convicted, he faces up to 22 years in prison.
Above the social media chatter, a devastating truth rings true: the trial has proven just how much the burden of proof falls on black women.
Pete hasn't been charged with anything, but somehow every personal choice she makes is judged by the court of public opinion.
Ironically, the incident happened as Pete and Lanez were making a name for themselves in the midst of a global pandemic. The release of "Savage" - followed by a remix of the hit with Beyoncé - catapulted Pete to the top of the charts with the help of his viral TikTok dance. Lanez's mixtapes and musical collaborations were also buzzing, as well as his hugely popular and raunchy Instagram Live show, "Quarantine Radio." While Pete and Lanez stars were on the rise, they had become fast friends, seemingly bonding over the shared tragedy of losing their mother. However, an argument that erupted that hot summer night reportedly resulted in Pete being shot dead and the police arriving on the scene.
Since the incident, the two artists couldn't be further apart: they've been separated in court as victim and defendant, and their fan camps have gone their separate ways as well. Pete supporters swear to #StandWithMeg, while Lanez supporters claim he is not only falsely accused, but framed.
With the ongoing trial, what struck me most about this case was the onslaught of surveillance and the harassment that Pete endured. In this case, misinformation abounds, as well as ugly and predictable responses to a black woman seeking justice following a violent act. Fan fodder around the alleged shooting of Pete by Lanez is a stark example of why so many women are reluctant to report abuse and press charges.
Pete hasn't been charged with anything, but somehow every personal choice she makes is judged by the court of public opinion. Her sexual history has been set aside, her credibility debated ad nauseam and her character questioned, all while being denied her humanity and her trauma. How easy it was for people to question his injury while ignoring the physical and emotional damage...
“Who Shot Meg” is trending on social media more than two years after gunshots reportedly rang out in the Hollywood Hills in the early morning hours of July 12, 2020. The incident sparked speculation and a deep divide on social media. Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, is accused of shooting Megan Pete, professionally known as Megan Thee Stallion, in her feet after an argument that capped a night of drinking and pool partying by Kylie Jenner. He pleaded not guilty to felony assault charges; if convicted, he faces up to 22 years in prison.
Above the social media chatter, a devastating truth rings true: the trial has proven just how much the burden of proof falls on black women.
Pete hasn't been charged with anything, but somehow every personal choice she makes is judged by the court of public opinion.
Ironically, the incident happened as Pete and Lanez were making a name for themselves in the midst of a global pandemic. The release of "Savage" - followed by a remix of the hit with Beyoncé - catapulted Pete to the top of the charts with the help of his viral TikTok dance. Lanez's mixtapes and musical collaborations were also buzzing, as well as his hugely popular and raunchy Instagram Live show, "Quarantine Radio." While Pete and Lanez stars were on the rise, they had become fast friends, seemingly bonding over the shared tragedy of losing their mother. However, an argument that erupted that hot summer night reportedly resulted in Pete being shot dead and the police arriving on the scene.
Since the incident, the two artists couldn't be further apart: they've been separated in court as victim and defendant, and their fan camps have gone their separate ways as well. Pete supporters swear to #StandWithMeg, while Lanez supporters claim he is not only falsely accused, but framed.
With the ongoing trial, what struck me most about this case was the onslaught of surveillance and the harassment that Pete endured. In this case, misinformation abounds, as well as ugly and predictable responses to a black woman seeking justice following a violent act. Fan fodder around the alleged shooting of Pete by Lanez is a stark example of why so many women are reluctant to report abuse and press charges.
Pete hasn't been charged with anything, but somehow every personal choice she makes is judged by the court of public opinion. Her sexual history has been set aside, her credibility debated ad nauseam and her character questioned, all while being denied her humanity and her trauma. How easy it was for people to question his injury while ignoring the physical and emotional damage...
What's Your Reaction?
